UPDATE: New Traffic Pattern; Construction Continues on Route 173

MACHESNEY PARK (WIFR) -- Construction on Route 173 is moving along. The Illinois Department of Transportation says Thursday morning traffic will be driving on the new pavement, while workers start to remove the south lanes.

This means Forest Hills Road south of Route 173 will be closed for two week. It's part of the $28 million project expanding Route 173 to four lanes from Alpine Road to I-39.

We're going to have to deal with the construction for some time, work isn't expected to be done until November 2015.

MACHESNEY PARK (WIFR) – Construction continues on Route 173 and now Forest Hills will be closed off for the next 11 days, leaving drivers with limited ways to maneuver the roads.

By the end of November, cars will have the luxury of going from store to store with ease on Route 173, but for now, some owners say it’s had a negative effect on business.

Starting today, Forest Hills north of 173 is closed in order for crews to work on the intersection. The closure will last for the next 11 days and is part of the two and a half mile stretch being worked on to widen the road to four lanes. But even with the possible headaches of sitting in traffic, Machesney Park leaders say it will all be worth it by the end of the year.

“It’s been a long time coming and on the priority list for the community, the residents and the shoppers up there. It is going to mean easy ins and outs, better shopping experiences for them and it will be much more enjoyable,” said Village Administrator, Tim Savage.

Savage says that if there are any businesses that have a difficult time or have any issues, they can call City Hall or they can visit weekly construction project management meetings.

Machesney Park isn’t the only area with roads shut down. The outer northbound lane of Perryville Road will be closed for the construction of a right turn lane.

The Winnebago County Highway Department says that the lane is anticipated to be finished Friday night and that delays are expected.

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